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There is a wide variety of causes for elevated liver enzymes (commonly, although incorrectly, called liver function tests, or LFTs). Elevated LFTs can only be interpreted in the context of a full clinical history -- that means that only a trained health care provider can determine the underlying cause of elevated LFTs in a particular individual. An important fact to remember is that while lab results (eg, elevated LFTs) are important in medicine, lab results alone are very infrequently diagnostic of a particular condition. When analyzed by trained personnel, they aid tremendously in reaching a diagnosis, but they absolutely never replace a proper clinical history. That means that for us patients, we cannot expect solid answers to questions like "why do I have elevated LFTs?" unless we ask our physicians. The only thing we can gain from asking perfect strangers questions like this is that we get a better understanding for what the tests mean and why they must be interpreted in such a way. Hopefully I can help illustrate this. The major liver enzymes measured in an LFT analysis are serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALT and AST are markers of injury to liver cells, while ALP is a marker of injury to the system of bile ducts that drain bile from the liver (also called the biliary tree). Liver and biliary tree damage are the most common causes of elevated LFTs, although other seemingly unrelated conditions can cause elevated LFTs as well. For example, hypothyroidism can cause elevated LFTs for unknown reasons. Viral and alcoholic hepatitis are among the most common causes of liver injury; these result in elevated LFTs, with ALT and AST being elevated to a greater degree than ALP. There are many other conditions that cause a similar elevation in LFTs; this underscores the importance of evaluating high LFTs in the proper clinical context (ie, with your physician). Elevated LFTs with a predominant rise in ALP is suggestive of damage or obstruction of the biliary tree (which disrupts the flow of bile out of the liver, called cholestasis). There are a number of conditions that can cause this, including a stone in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis), cancer of the head of the pancreas, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and many others. The preceding list isn't meant to frighten you; it's merely to illustrate the wide variety of causes of cholestasis. On the other hand, one's LFTs may be elevated without any clinical significance. Yes, this is yet another reason to have one's test results evaluated by a physician. Again, it's absolutely fine -- indeed, it's preferred! -- that you ask these sorts of questions to your physician. Only she is able to answer your question adequately, with a strong understanding of your clinical presentation, past medical history, social history, etc.
What else can I help you with?
What are the causes of elevated ALT in dogs?
An elevated ALT level in dogs can be a sign of liver disease. It can be caused by a number of different toxins in the liver and something as simple as a poor dog food can cause elevated levels.
What causes elevated HBsAG level?
Elevated HBsAG levels typically indicate an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBsAG is a viral protein on the surface of the HBV, and its presence in the blood suggests the virus is actively replicating in the liver. Other causes of elevated HBsAG levels may include acute liver injury or chronic liver disease.
What causes sgot ast to be high?
Elevated levels of SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase, or AST) can indicate liver damage or disease, as the enzyme is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured. Common causes include viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage, and certain medications. Additionally, conditions affecting other organs, such as heart disease and muscle disorders, can also lead to increased AST levels. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management if elevated levels are detected.
What do elevated AST and ALT mean?
Elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels typically indicate liver damage or inflammation, as these enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured. Common causes of elevated levels include liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver damage. However, elevated AST and ALT can also be due to conditions affecting other organs, muscle injury, or certain medications. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
What are the potential causes and symptoms of elevated ALT levels in cats?
Potential causes of elevated ALT levels in cats include liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, and certain medications. Symptoms may include jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, and changes in appetite or weight. It is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Elevated levels of which test may indicate gallstones or liver problems?
Bilirubin
Can elevated uric acid levels be the cause of an enlarged liver?
some how it cause.
What causes of elevated MCV level?
Elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels can be caused by conditions such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, liver disease, and certain types of anemia like megaloblastic anemia. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management if MCV levels are elevated.
What does elevated alk phosphatase indicate?
Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels in the blood can indicate liver or bone disease. It is commonly seen in conditions such as liver disease, bone disorders, or certain cancers. Further testing is usually needed to determine the exact cause of the elevated levels.
Can hepitis c cause elevated urobilinogen levels in urine?
Yes, hepatitis C can cause elevated urobilinogen levels in urine due to liver damage and impaired function. As a result, the liver may not be able to properly process bilirubin, leading to increased levels of urobilinogen in the urine.
What are the common causes of elevated levels of glucose in cat urine?
Common causes of elevated levels of glucose in cat urine include diabetes mellitus, stress, and certain medications.
What does a 96 ALT reading mean for liver tests?
A ALT (alanine aminotransferase) level of 96 is elevated and indicates possible liver damage or disease. Further evaluation and follow-up testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause. Common causes of elevated ALT levels include hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or certain medications.
